Starting your college years at the heart of Wisconsin undoubtedly has its perks. You are now an official badger privileged enough to ""Jump Around"" at Camp Randall Stadium and get obscenely drunk four or five nights of the week while continuing to impress Grandpa Joe and Grandma Jane for attending Wisconsin's flagship university.
Joining the ranks at UW-Madison classifies you as a member of an internationally renowned research institution that rests at the center of Wisconsin's capital, which ultimately influences state and local politics. Being apart of the UW means being a part of a new academic and political community, but through all the recent turmoil at the state Capitol it's important to understand that you are not obligated to join forces with the liberal minded majority.
Madison is well known for its strong liberal personality. A heavy democratic stigma generalizes most UW students, giving grandparents across the state reason to falsely accuse all Wisconsin Badgers of being flower-dancing hippies. But regardless of the stereotypes, students at UW-Madison do have the potential to influence politics at the Capitol. And as the state is now trapped in a political daytime soap opera that never seems to take a commercial break, students have an opportunity to sway Wisconsin's next move.
This past year, immense political and social change has transformed the way our school and state operate. A tidal wave of controversy engulfed the Capitol as the 2010 elections brought new partisans to power. Since Gov. Scott Walker took office, a political war has ignited mass protests throughout the city and an endless set of petty recall petitions that put both political parties across the state in jeopardy.
At the university we have felt the shocks of new legislation and drastic budget cuts through the potential loss of many teaching assistants, as well as the resignation of Chancellor Biddy Martin. Calls to skip class and march down State Street in the name of workers' rights mobilized hundreds of students to fight for their beliefs and sparked many heated debates among peers and teachers.
Through it all, a strong sense of community has been built around the fight against the ""man,"" but after looking a little deeper it's become clear that some students still have little idea as to what they are fighting for.
Unfortunately, political fire at the Capitol gave birth to many students who got swept up in the air of remonstration, detonating ignorance and vitriolic arguments against the opposition. While the physical protests have significantly calmed, stability at the Capitol is still far from sight. The number of recall petitions continue to increase and legislation countering Walker's proposals continues to emerge—making it important for all UW-Madison students to familiarize themselves with the latest political agenda.
So whether you like politics or not, attending school in the state's capital inevitably calls for some form of civic participation. And in an environment of such strong polarization, it's important now more than ever that UW students maintain an open mind and not view politics as a good versus evil game. Before jumping on the party bandwagon you normally affiliate with, take the time to research contrasting viewpoints and start to learn the logistics of different political debates.
Too often respect for others is lost to bitter partisan hatred. And without bipartisan cooperation, it's safe to say little will ever be accomplished—leaving Wisconsin at a stalemate that is likely to rot.
This year, UW is going to see big changes: Changes in Wisconsin politics, in our university leadership, in our top student government and changes in the freshmen class. And in order for our school to continue to thrive in such a politically heated atmosphere, I urge all new students to make an effort to examine the politics they are about to dive into.
As evidenced by last year, the students at UW-Madison are a passionate and powerful group. Hundreds skipped class, marched through streets, protested days and nights, gave public testimonials and tweeted upon tweeted upon tweeted their beliefs.
But real change comes from individuals who respect the opinions of others and maintain a willingness to work together. If our legislators and executives can't understand this concept, it's time that UW students start to set an example for the politics they hope to see.
Sam Witthuhn is a senior majoring in Political Science and Journalism. We welcome all feedback. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
